Herringbone Flooring
What is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring is crafted from a real hardwood veneer layered over a stable base of plywood, hybrid, or high-density fibreboard (HDF). Its signature design features a distinctive zig-zag pattern, created by arranging rectangular planks at 90-degree angles to each other. This construction combines the natural beauty of timber with enhanced durability and stability, making herringbone flooring a stylish and long-lasting choice for residential and commercial spaces.
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Are There Different Types Of Herringbone Flooring?
When exploring herringbone flooring, there are three main types to consider, each offering different benefits depending on your project, budget, and installation method.
- Plywood or Multi-Ply Core
This type of herringbone flooring typically uses 7–11 layers of plywood with a hardwood veneer on top, providing excellent stability and strength. It’s ideal for glue-down installations in areas with temperature changes, e.g. living rooms or dining areas.
- High Density Fibreboard Core (HDF)
HDF-core herringbone flooring is made from compressed wood fibres and resin, creating a smooth, uniform, and affordable option. It works well for floating floors and DIY-friendly installations in low-moisture areas, e.g. bedrooms or home offices.
- Softwood Core
Softwood-core herringbone flooring features a hardwood top, softwood middle, and backing layer, providing stability and cost-effectiveness. It’s best suited for spaces with minimal humidity and temperature fluctuations, e.g. guestrooms or hallways.
Length
Hardwood boards can come in a large range of sizes however longer planks are commonly used for a flawless installation. Long planks limit the appearance of clunky end joints that are prone to standing out.
Hardness
THe hardness of the wood is based on which tree species was used during the manufacturing process. Each tree species has a different level of hardness and harder wood will produce more durable flooring.
Thickness
Thicker hardwood floor planks can be resurfaced and refinished more times compared to thinner planks, allowing your flooring to keep its original appearance for as long as possible.
Thinner wood planks can still be frequently re-coated to try and maintain their appearance.
Width
Wider wood planks provide a more cosy and comfortable aesthetic but in dry weather, are vulnerable to gapping joints. Thinner planks have a tighter fit and are less susceptible to gapping joints.
Which Flooring Can Be Installed in a Herringbone Pattern?
Several flooring types can create beautiful herringbone flooring pattern:
Timber Flooring – Solid and engineered timber are the traditional choice, offering custom sizes and a premium, timeless look.
Laminate Flooring – Many brands provide pre-cut herringbone laminate planks, giving an affordable option with realistic wood-like appearance.
Hybrid Flooring – Some hybrid floors are suitable for herringbone flooring, offering waterproof and durable solutions for living areas, kitchens, and hallways. Only select hybrids work with this pattern.
Vinyl Planks – Vinyl planks in herringbone sizes are water-resistant and low-maintenance, making them a practical choice for wet areas while still achieving the herringbone look.
Not all products suit herringbone flooring layouts, planks must have the correct size and locking system. Professional installation is recommended, as herringbone flooring is more complex than straight-laid floors.
What are the Different Styles of Herringbone Flooring?
There are six main styles of herringbone flooring, each offering a distinct look:
1. Standard Herringbone
The classic and most recognisable herringbone flooring pattern features planks laid in a zig-zag V-shape, with each plank at a 90-degree angle to the next. This style works well in both traditional and modern spaces and is typically installed using the glue-down method.
2. Double Herringbone
Two planks are laid side by side before turning, creating a bolder, more contemporary pattern. Double herringbone is best suited to larger spaces where the design can fully shine.
3. Diagonal Herringbone
Installed at a 45-degree angle to the walls, this style adds a dynamic flow to the room, making spaces feel wider or longer while enhancing the sense of movement and luxury.
4. Straight Lay Herringbone (Square Edge)
Featuring square-ended planks laid at 90-degree angles, this pattern creates a sharp, geometric effect often seen in European parquetry. Smaller pieces can produce a more intricate, detailed design.
5. Chevron
Although similar to herringbone, chevron planks are cut at 45 or 60 degrees to meet at a point, forming a continuous zig-zag. This style is sleeker, more symmetrical, and ideal for a modern aesthetic in larger spaces.
6. Basket Weave / Decorative Inlays
Less common, this style is often used in heritage or luxury designs. It can incorporate borders or central motifs and is usually seen in custom parquetry work rather than standard engineered flooring.
How is Herringbone Flooring Installed?
1. Planning the Layout
Installers carefully measure the room to centre the herringbone flooring pattern, using chalk lines or lasers to guide the layout.
2. Preparing the Subfloor
The subfloor is cleaned, levelled, and checked for moisture. A barrier may be added for glue-down installations to protect the herringbone flooring.
3. Choosing an Installation Method
Herringbone flooring can be installed in several ways:
Glue-down – Common for timber, hybrid, and vinyl.
Floating – Used with engineered or laminate herringbone.
Nail-down – Occasionally used with solid timber blocks on timber subfloors.
4. Finishing Touches
Borders, feature strips, and trims can frame the pattern, with skirting boards or scotia added around edges for a polished finish.
What are the Benefits of Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring combines timeless style with modern performance, offering a range of benefits for homeowners and designers:
- Elegant Design
The texture and zig-zag pattern of herringbone flooring adds movement and sophistication, enhancing hallways, living rooms, and entryways in both classic and contemporary homes.
- Affordability
Herringbone flooring provides the premium look of solid timber without the high cost, making it a cost-effective choice for luxury renovations and projects on any budget.
- Variety of Styles
Available in multiple wood species, finishes, and patterns, herringbone flooring can complement modern minimal, heritage, or classic interiors.
- Compatible with Underfloor Heating
Herringbone flooring works with underfloor heating, offering comfort and energy efficiency without compromising style.
- Easy Maintenance
Durable coatings resist scratches, stains, and daily wear, while cleaning is simple with a broom, vacuum, or damp mop, no sanding or sealing required.
- Adds Property Value
Installing herringbone flooring enhances property value by giving your home a premium, feature-worthy finish that appeals to buyers and renters alike.
Design Tips for Herringbone Flooring
- Plank Size
Smaller blocks create a traditional parquet feel, while longer planks give a modern, streamlined look.
- Light or Natural Finishes for Scandinavian Styles
Lighter, natural tones work well with minimalistic or coastal interiors, highlighting the pattern without overwhelming the space.
- Dark Tones for a Luxury Look
Rich brown or smoked finishes add depth and sophistication, giving herringbone flooring a bold, high-end appearance.
- Adding a Border
Incorporating a border frames the herringbone pattern and creates a polished, clean finish for your floors.
- Using Herringbone in Hallways
The herringbone style is especially effective in narrow hallways, drawing the eye forward and creating a sense of flow throughout the space.
- Is Herringbone Flooring common/popular in Australia?
Herringbone flooring is increasingly popular in Australian interior design, seen in new builds, renovations, and luxury apartments. Its timeless style adds value to properties and is commonly featured in high-end display homes.
At Everlasting Floors, we specialise in supplying and installing premium herringbone flooring across the Sydney and Greater Sydney regions. We combine the timeless style with modern durability and offer a wide selection of design choices. Our team focuses on the quality and ensures that the installation process is flawless and adds value to your property.
What is herringbone flooring?
Herringbone flooring is made from real hardwood veneer layered over a plywood or HDF core, and is arranged in a classic V-shaped zig-zag pattern. It combines the elegant look of traditional parquet with the modern durability and stability of engineered wood.
Is herringbone flooring suitable for all rooms?
Yes. It’s suitable for most rooms, including living areas, bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens. However, even though it’s more stable than solid timber, it’s still best to avoid installing herringbone flooring in wet areas like bathrooms unless the product is specifically rated for moisture resistance.
Can herringbone flooring be installed over concrete or existing floors?
Yes, herringbone flooring can be installed over concrete slabs or existing floors, that is if the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Professional installers will usually recommend glue down installation for best results, particularly with herringbone patterns.
Is herringbone flooring more expensive than standard planks?
Yes, herringbone flooring generally costs more as it takes longer to manufacture and install due to its intricate pattern and precise layout. Many homeowners find the extra investment worthwhile, as it adds timeless style, visual impact, and can increase the value of a property.
Does herringbone flooring increase property value?
Absolutely! Herringbone flooring is considered a premium style, associated with luxury homes and high-end interiors. It can significantly enhance the look and feel of your home, making it more appealing to buyers.
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